Heloise: Simplify spring cleaning

Dear readers: Who really likes cleaning, especially the deep cleaning that we all need to do once in a while? To make it a little easier, let’s start the planning process. Read on for some Heloise Hints on making upcoming spring-cleaning easier:

■ Get everyone involved. Select a date when everyone is available, then make a list and assign a cleaning task to each family member. Remember small children can do small things.

■ Set out a box for items to be donated or saved for a garage sale.

■ Get cleaning products together. Put them in a carrier or plastic tub to easily take from room to room. Vinegar is always in my carrier! It is my favorite cleaner and can be used on just about everything. Vinegar is a cheap alternative to expensive cleaners.

Dear Heloise: While cutting up block cheese into small chunks for making mac and cheese, my smart husband suggested I use a cheese slicer to make the job easier. After almost 50 years of marriage and cutting the cheese into pieces all these years, the light came on, and I said, “What a great idea!”

I asked him why he didn’t suggest this years ago! Husbands can be such a help, and smart! — Phyllis Noel, Nottingham, N.H.

Dear Heloise: A recent hint told about using a golf ball to massage shoulders, or having someone use the golf ball to massage your back.

Another suggestion is to take one or two golf balls or a tennis ball, put them in a sock and tie the end of the sock into a knot.

You can massage your back or shoulders on your own by holding on to each end of the sock and “rolling” the sock across the affected areas. — A Connecticut Reader, via computer tablet

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 210-HELOISE or email it to heloise@heloise.com.